Javelin Strategy and Research released the results of its latest annual study showing an amazing 13.1 million people in the United States have been the victims of cyber theft. The latest trick of the cyber crooks is a simple one: Put a small charge on your card — often a specific amount like $8.98 — in hopes you won’t notice it. Many people don’t and this has brought in untold millions.

You can never assume that your card is safe. Make sure you check every statement carefully and report (immediately) any charges you do not understand, no matter how small.